What is the Special Legislative Committee on University Governance?

The Special Legislative Committee on University Governance was created in HB 4061 during the 2012 session to make recommendations to the 2013 Legislature about the best methods and practices to establish institutional boards at Oregon universities. During the course of the committee’s work, two universities (Portland State University and University of Oregon) requested institutional boards.

Who served on the special committee?

Eight legislators and two members of the Oregon Education Investment Board (OEIB) served on the special committee. State Senator Mark Hass (D-Beaverton), State Representative Michael Dembrow (D-Portland), and State Representative Mark Johnson (R-Hood River) served as co-chairs of the committee. State Senator Lee Beyer (D-Springfield), State Senator Frank Morse (R-Alban), State Senator Fred Girod (R-Stayton), State Representative Sherrie Sprenger (R-Scio), and State Representative Val Hoyle (D-Eugene) served on the committee. The two members of the OEIB included Kay Toran and Matt Donegan.

What is the latest news on the special committee?

The special committe held its last meeting on October 4th, 2012, and has made its recommendations to the Governor and the 2013 Legislature. A copy of the committee member’s letter of recommendations can be found here. A final copy of LC 759 can be found here. The latest version of LC 759 creates an institutional board for the University of Oregon and Portland State University.